LEEDS North West MP Alex Sobel has held a welcome event for Ukrainian refugees and host families.

The event was a drop in cafe and crafts and sports/ games and enabled refugees the chance to meet others who are staying in the area, as well as bringing together the host families.

As well as being able to meet and chat with the MP the event was attended by councillors giving both Ukrainian families and their hosts the opportunity to discuss any issues they have.

Alex said: “It was great to host many of the families we helped with visas from Ukraine. Everyone was chatting, sharing food, doing traditional Ukrainian egg decorating and getting involved in the crafts and games. Its vitally important that refugees know we are here to welcome and help them.

“To date we have successfully managed to have approved 51 visas for Ukrainian refugees in Leeds North West and only have a handful of applications that are still outstanding with the Home Office. We also have 28 host families who have opened their homes to the refugees’

“These people through no fault of their own have had to flee from their war-torn country and the people of Leeds North West responded by opening up their homes to provide safe shelter. Now is the time for solidarity with the people of Ukraine and to think of them first.”